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The Nebraska Legislature on Thursday gave overwhelming approval to a bill aimed at helping critical access hospitals meet financial challenges posed by Medicaid reimbursements that have not kept up with costs.
Among other provisions of LB1087, the state’s hospitals are to pay up to 6% of their net revenues into the fund, which leverages federal matching funds to offset fees paid to hospitals under the Medical Assistance Program. This will raise the
State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said the majority of Nebraska hospitals are operating at a loss, including many small, rural facilities. These financial dynamics are forcing Nebraska hospitals to make difficult decisions. In the past 18 months, three of her local hospitals have closed their labor and delivery departments. Two hospitals have closed hospital-owned nursing homes. Hospitals also closed behavioral health, hospice and home health services. These are all necessary community services that our not-for-profit hospital can no longer sustain at current reimbursement rates,” Jacobson said.
A portion of the funds raised will be used to expand the clinical nursing training facility, as well as help children continue acquiring qualifications.
The amended version of the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Evaluation Act passed general legislation with the support of 40 senators.
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